If you’re exploring career options in project management, IT administration, or even software development, you’ve probably come across Jira. As one of the most widely used project management and issue tracking tools, Jira has become indispensable for teams operating in agile environments. But is a Jira Administrator Certification the right move for your career? In this article, we’ll dive deep into what the Jira Administrator Certification entails, explore its value for your career, and give you practical tips to help you succeed.
What is Jira Administrator Certification?
The Jira Administrator Certification is a credential that validates your expertise in configuring and managing Jira Software, primarily from an administrative perspective. Jira administrators are responsible for setting up and maintaining the platform, ensuring it works smoothly for end users. This certification focuses on key areas such as:
- Configuring projects and workflows
- Managing users and permissions
- Setting up security schemes
- Customizing Jira to suit business requirements
- Integrating Jira with other tools like Confluence or Bitbucket
As businesses increasingly adopt agile project management methods, the demand for professionals who can manage and maintain Jira has skyrocketed. A certified Jira administrator has proven knowledge of managing large-scale projects and can customize Jira according to specific business needs. Having this certification can differentiate you from other candidates and signal to employers that you’re equipped with the skills required to handle complex project environments.
For professionals aspiring to become Jira administrators or for those already in a systems administrator role, obtaining this certification solidifies your understanding of the platform, making you a valuable asset to any company using Jira.
List of Top Certifications
When it comes to Jira Administrator Certification, Atlassian (the company behind Jira) offers several certification paths. Let’s take a look at the key options available:
1. ACP-100: Jira Administrator for Data Center and Server
This is one of the most comprehensive certifications available for Jira administrators. It covers Jira’s data center and server environments, focusing on areas like project configuration, workflows, user management, and advanced system settings. If you’re managing Jira in an on-premises environment or a data center, this certification is the go-to credential.
Key topics covered include:
- Access, Permissions, Security (27%)
- Project Configuration (11%)
- Issue Types, Fields, Screens (18%)
- Workflows and Automation (10%)
- Notifications (9%)
- Advanced User Features (14%)
- Jira Administration (11%)
2. ACP-120: Jira Cloud Administrator
As more organizations migrate to the cloud, the ACP-120 focuses on Jira Cloud environments. This certification equips administrators with the knowledge to handle cloud-specific challenges like security settings, data residency, and integrations with cloud-based tools.
Key topics covered include:
- Access, permissions and security (25% – 30%)
- General project configuration (10%-15%)
- Issue types, fields and screens (15%-20%)
- Workflows and automation (15%-20%)
- Notifications (5%-10%)
- System administration (5%-10%)
3. ACP-620: Managing Jira Projects for Cloud
While not a full-fledged administrator certification, the ACP-620 is ideal for those involved in managing projects on Jira Cloud. It’s suited for individuals who don’t need to handle the more technical aspects of Jira administration but still want to get certified for project management purposes.
Key topics covered include:
- Project creation (10-15%)
- Board configuration (25-35%)
- Managing projects (25-35%)
- Automation (15-20%)
- Reporting (15-20%)
These certifications are globally recognized, and acquiring them can help you demonstrate your expertise in either cloud-based or on-premises Jira environments.
Is Jira Administrator Certification Worth It?
Now comes the million-dollar question: Is Jira Administrator Certification worth it for your career?
1. Growing Demand for Jira Administrators
The need for professionals who can manage Jira is steadily increasing, thanks to the widespread adoption of agile methodologies. More companies are leveraging Jira as their core project management and issue-tracking tool, making the role of a Jira administrator critical for operational success. As of now, Jira is used by over 180,000 companies, ranging from small startups to large enterprises, and that number is growing daily. Certified Jira administrators are in a prime position to fill this increasing demand.
2. Increased Earning Potential
Certification can also have a significant impact on your salary. According to Payscale, Jira administrators can earn an average salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on their level of experience and certification status. Certified administrators, especially those with expertise in Jira Data Center or Cloud environments, are often offered higher salaries than their uncertified counterparts.
For IT professionals already working in systems administration, the certification can be a stepping stone to leadership roles in IT project management or DevOps, further increasing earning potential.
3. Career Versatility and Advancement
Obtaining a Jira Administrator Certification doesn’t pigeonhole you into one role. The certification opens up various career pathways such as:
- Project Manager: Jira is widely used by agile teams, so having a deep understanding of the platform can make you an effective project manager.
- IT Systems Administrator: If you’re already in IT, this certification adds another layer of expertise, allowing you to oversee both the technical and operational aspects of Jira.
- DevOps Engineer: Jira’s integration capabilities with CI/CD pipelines make it crucial for DevOps environments. Certified administrators can manage and optimize these integrations.
Additionally, many certified professionals find themselves advancing more quickly in their careers due to their specialized knowledge. Organizations value the ability to manage complex, large-scale projects, which is something a certified Jira administrator brings to the table.
4. Competitive Edge
Certification helps distinguish you from other job candidates. In a crowded job market, having the Jira Administrator Certification listed on your resume shows that you are committed to continuous learning and have gone through rigorous training to master the platform. It also speaks to your proficiency in managing Jira’s complex configurations, workflows, and user roles, giving you a competitive edge.
5. Jira Ecosystem Knowledge
Jira is often the hub of operations for agile project teams, but it doesn’t work in isolation. Most Jira environments integrate with other Atlassian products such as Confluence, Bitbucket, and Trello. A Jira Administrator Certification also equips you with the knowledge of managing these integrations, making you a more well-rounded professional. This is particularly important for organizations leveraging multiple tools within the Atlassian ecosystem.
How to Study for the Jira Certification Exam?
So, how do you go about preparing for the Jira Administrator Certification exam? Like any certification, passing requires both practical experience and dedicated study. Here are some effective strategies to help you succeed.
1. Hands-on Experience
The Jira Administrator Certification exams are not theoretical—exam questions are practical and scenario-based. You’ll need hands-on experience with Jira to pass. Make sure you’re familiar with configuring projects, setting up workflows, and managing users. If possible, work in a live environment where you can explore real-world administrative tasks.
If you’re not currently working as a Jira administrator, consider setting up your own test environment or use Jira Cloud’s free version to get comfortable with the platform.
2. Utilize Atlassian’s Study Resources
Atlassian offers official study resources for each certification, including exam preparation courses, sample questions, and detailed outlines of what to expect on the exam. You can find these resources on Atlassian University, which is designed to help both beginners and advanced users prep for the certification.
Make sure to review Atlassian’s official documentation as well. This can serve as a great resource when trying to understand more complex features like permissions schemes, advanced workflow configurations, and security settings.
3. Join Online Communities
There are plenty of Jira and Atlassian-related forums where professionals share their experiences and exam tips. Communities on Reddit, LinkedIn, and Atlassian’s own forums can be invaluable sources of advice and study materials. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek guidance from those who have already taken the exam.
4. Practice Tests
Like most certification exams, the Jira Administrator Certification exams can be challenging. Taking practice tests is a great way to gauge your readiness and familiarize yourself with the exam format. Practice tests help reinforce your learning and identify any weak areas that need more attention.
5. Create a Study Schedule
Don’t underestimate the time needed to prepare. Make a study plan that allocates time for reviewing course material, practicing in a live environment, and taking practice exams. Spacing out your study sessions allows you to absorb the material more effectively and avoid last-minute cramming.
Conclusion: Is Jira Administrator Certification Right for You?
In conclusion, the Jira Administrator Certification is a valuable credential that can enhance your career prospects, increase your earning potential, and open up opportunities in various IT and project management roles. If you’re working in or aspiring to be in roles that involve managing Jira environments, this certification is a solid investment in your professional development.
With the growing adoption of agile methodologies and tools like Jira, the demand for certified administrators is only expected to rise. Preparing for the exam requires hands-on experience and focused study, but the benefits make it well worth the effort.
So, is the Jira Administrator Certification worth it? Absolutely—if you’re ready to level up your career and stand out in a competitive field.
